Phenol

By: Patrick


File:Phenol 2 grams.jpg
File:Phenol 2 grams.jpg
File:Phenol-3D-balls.png
File:Phenol-3D-balls.png




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Background

Phenol was discovered in 1834. Scientists extracted the phenol from coal tar. Sir Joseph Lister began using phenol as an antiseptic during surgeries. Prolonged exposure to phenol commonly caused skin irritation. Because of the side effects of phenol Lister decided to only cover the wounds after surgery which seemed to help the irritation.


Properties

Chemical Formula
C6H5OH
Molar Mass
94.11 g/mol
Melting Point
40-43 degrees Celcius
Boiling Point
181 degrees Celcius
Density
107.28 kg/cu.m



Uses and Importance
carmex_lip_balm_pot.jpg
Phenol has been used in several different things. One of its main uses is in making plastics and other similar materials. Phenol is also an active ingredient in some chloraseptic sprays and Carmex, a popular lip balm.


Where is it Found?

Because phenol is used in the commercial industry often, many different ways of producing it have been developed. Most ways of producing phenol are by reacting it with different compounds. Phenol is also recovered as a byproduct of coal pyrolysis.


Percent Composition by Mass


Element
Percentage
Carbon
76.57%
Hydrogen
5.36%
Hydroxide
18.07%

Percent Composition by Number

Element
Percentage
Carbon
46.15%
Hydrogen
46.15%
Oxygen
7.70%

References

http://chemicalland21.com/petrochemical/PHENOL.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol
http://www.simetric.co.uk/si_liquids.htm
http://www.convertunits.com/molarmass/Phenol
http://gracefullysaving.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/carmex_lip_balm_pot.jpg
http://elchem.kaist.ac.kr/jhkwak/okanaganpdb97/molecule/ol.htm